Sunday, 27 March 2016

So it's officially Spring - and while everyone gushes over the pieces of clothing they plan on adding to their new season wardrobes, my thoughts haven't turned from getting my hands on a new piece of arm candy after attending MyBag's SS16 Spring Preview recently!

I've always been a firm believer in the idea that it's the accessories that make an outfit and MyBag certainly deliver the goods in that department; not just curating an enviable selection of handbag brands (would you believe it) but also offering a beautiful range of sunglasses, watches, scarves and more.

Being a big fan of the online retailer already, I was definitely giddy to see what MyBag had on offer for the Spring/Summer'16 season.

Their showcase was held at one of my favourite Manchester haunts, Artisan - a casual but classy restaurant filled with interesting design detail. Did I mention the most amazing cocktails, too?

On to the bags!

Photo credit: Garry Finch

Photo credit: Garry Finch

It's difficult to pick out a favourite range! Lulu Guinness has long been a favourite accessory brand of mine (I'm lucky enough to own an LG clutch already) and the new pieces on show from MyBag didn't disappoint with lots of lilac and quirky details. I can't begin to tell you how incredible the lipstick clutch is, there's even a little mirror inside the lid!

I loved the new range from Ted Baker, especially the drawstring bucket style and teeny shoulder bags that would be perfect for the summer's festivals. The large totes from Karl Lagerfeld scream 'fashion' and are certainly eye-catching enough to satisfy the boldest fashionistas.

However the bags from Grafea were top of my list. Made in beautfiul leather in traditional, minimal shapes but with fun details like metallic finishes, multi-coloured fringe and fur pompoms - I was in love! I particularly adored the baby rucksack in lilac, perfect for spring. I'm soon to become a bonafide commuter a and am on the hunt for a great backpack and Grafea's have definitely caught my eye.

We were lucky enough to come away with an amazing goody bag filled with products from the likes of Real Techniques make up brushes, Vita Liberata tan and Wet Brush Pro.

Though I was completely blown away by this gorgeous personalised luggage tag from The Cambridge Satchel Company. I can't wait to take it on my travels!

It happened on Valentine's Day (which seems like an age ago now). Chris completely took me by surprise by getting down on one knee during a walk in our local park. I of course broke down in happy tears in the middle of the park. Luckily not many people were around, though a lovely passing jogger saw the whole thing and came over to congratulate us!

After furiously Whatsapping my favourite people with the news, we went off for an impromptu romantic lunch and picked up a bottle of champagne on the way home to celebrate. I've been on cloud nine ever since.

Of course with this news comes all the planning. Luckily, I come into my element with this kind of thing. I absolutely love planning events. I can't wait to start booking things and concentrating on the small details of the wedding to inject our personalities into the big day and make it truly amazing.

My love for Pinterest has been reborn with a vengeance and I've already got multiple secret boards filled with awesome ideas.

Of course pretty pictures are all well and good but it's essential to get some real world, tangible inspiration from available wedding suppliers; which is how just one week into our engagement (Bridezilla alert), I found myself heading off to Manchester's National Wedding Show with one of my best friends/bridesmaids in tow.

Now, it wasn't actually my intention to be thrown into the deep-end of wedding fairs this early into proceedings but it's not so often that the National Wedding Show comes around and especially with this being the first with its own section curated by the wonderful Kat - a.k.a. Rock n Roll Bride.

I've followed Kat on Instagram for quite some time, which is as easily appealing without a ring on your finger due to her own quirky, colourful style. So, when I found out that this upcoming show would mark her first foray into wedding fairs, I knew I needed to go!

We had a fantastic day gleaning inspiration from some amazing local and national suppliers. I'll leave you with some photos below.

It was great to meet Kat and also Sophie - the founder of Crown and Glory, who I'm sure you'll know for their beautiful headwear (think amazing flower crowns, awesome headbands, colourful bows and everything in between).

As well as checking out this crazy beautiful collection of veils and accessories, I of course picked up the latest edition of Rock n Roll Bride Magazine - an absolute must-read for any unconvential bride!

The National Wedding Show is sadly over for this season but will be returning to London, Birmingham and Manchester in September.

I'm hoping to document little previews of my wedding plans along the way on the blog so keep a lookout for that!

Thursday, 3 March 2016

I've wanted to learn to skateboard for forever. I grew up when skateboarding was absolutely massive; when everyone played Tony Hawk on Playstation, listened to Blink 182 and wore huge baggy jeans with a wallet chain (me included). Though despite all this, I never had one! I don't think my mum was keen - I was already enough of a tomboy, spending much of my time in treehouses and riding a mini motocross bike!

Anyway, knowing this, Chris bought me a board for my birthday last year and promised to teach me. He used to skateboard a bit when he was younger but is really into rollerblading so is often down the skatepark.

A few weeks ago once the weather let up, we went down to the skatepark - handily just around the corner from our flat!

It's fair to say that I wasn't a natural but I'm definitely looking forward to getting out there in the warmer months and getting better at it.

(The park was locked up this time, hence me not being in it for these photos!)

Having recently discovered skate, surf and snow lifestyle store, Blue White and Grey I decided to go out in my new Volcom baseball tee - which is actually a men's style but I loved the 'Chill to the Bone' slogan on the front.

Definitely check them out for an awesome range of the best lifestyle brands, including

I really love that unisex look that skate style has - effortless cool!